Before the departure NASA test conductor Roberta Wyrick told the crew: "We salute the entire astronaut force, for your dedication not only to expanding our knowledge of the universe but for the improvements you have contributed to on Earth.

17, the B-1B carried a mixed load of JASSMs, JSOWs and Wind Corrected Munition Dispensers in various combinations in its three bays, said Mike Brooks, 419th FLTS test conductor and B-1 flight test engineer.